The Alchemy Of Embodiment
My practice centers on the Alchemy of Embodiment — the ongoing work of reclaiming the self through the body. For women navigating the perimenopausal and menopausal transition, this is a season of profound change, one that asks not just for physical relief, but for a deeper reconnection to who you are becoming.
In these sessions, I draw on the wisdom of the Five Element system to design a customized experience for each client — one that meets your body, energy, and season of life exactly where they are. Bodywork, in this practice, is not simply a treatment — it's a tool for transformation.
Plant medicine offers a potent ally on this path: essential oils and botanical allies help us reconnect with the self and with the larger natural cycles that quietly support us on the journey home.
Plant medicine offers a potent ally on this path: essential oils and botanical allies help us reconnect with the self and with the larger natural cycles that quietly support us on the journey home. Each session draws on a range of therapeutic techniques, chosen and adapted through this Five Element lens:
Swedish massage — for relaxation, improved circulation, and nervous system regulation
Deep tissue / therapeutic massage — targeting chronic tension and deeper muscular patterns
Trigger point therapy — addressing specific areas of pain referral and muscular restriction
Acupressure & Shiatsu — pressure-based techniques working with the body's meridians and energy pathways to relieve tension, restore energy flow, and support the body's natural healing response
Aromatherapy & Aroma Point Therapy — pairing plant medicine with specific acupoints and reflex zones, engaging the energetic wisdom held within essential oils to support physiological and energetic balance
Energy work — including Reiki and chakra-based techniques, to support the body's natural regulatory systems
These tools are held within a larger intention: to support you in listening to your body, releasing what no longer serves you, and reclaiming a felt sense of wholeness — physically, emotionally, and energetically — as you move through this transition and find your way home to yourself.
What to Expect
Your session begins with a brief conversation about what's present for you today — physically, emotionally, and energetically. This helps Caroline tailor the session through the Five Element lens, selecting the techniques and plant allies that will serve you best in this moment.
From there, you'll settle onto the table in a warm, private space designed for rest and reconnection. Sessions may move fluidly between massage, acupressure, and targeted Aroma Point Therapy — always responsive to what your body is asking for, rather than following a fixed routine.
You don't need to do anything but arrive as you are. There's room here to soften, to feel, and to simply be witnessed in your body — no performance, no fixing required.
Most clients leave feeling more spacious, more grounded, and more at home in themselves — sometimes with insight, sometimes simply with rest. Either way, you're invited to move slowly afterward and give yourself time to integrate.
Location & Office Hours
Caroline holds office hours at Felek Acupuncture,
1152 Solano Ave # A, Albany, CA 94706
Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to undress for my session?
You're welcome to undress to your comfort level. You'll always be professionally draped, with only the area being worked on exposed at any time. If you'd prefer, Caroline can also offer an acupressure session fully clothed — no undressing required. Whatever your comfort level, you and Caroline will work together to design a session that feels just right for you.
What if I'm sensitive to scents or essential oils?
Caroline uses unscented lotions and oils for the massage itself, with the exception of the specific acupoints where essential oils are paired for Aroma Point Therapy — typically 4–6 acupoint-to-oil pairings per session, used to support energetic shifts rather than as a strong aromatic experience. The essential oils, points, and dilutions used can always be adjusted, and oils can be omitted entirely, based on your individual needs and preferences.
How do I know which session length is right for me?
60 minutes is a great starting point for most clients. If you're working through deeper tension, want time to fully settle into Aroma Point Therapy and energy work, or have a specific target area of need you'd like addressed more fully, a longer session (75 or 90 minutes) allows more room for this deeper work to unfold.
What if I'm currently going through significant hormonal changes (perimenopause, menopause)?
This is exactly who this practice is designed for. Let Caroline know what you're experiencing — hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood shifts, fatigue — so the session can be shaped around your needs that day.
Do I need to know anything about the Five Element system beforehand?
Not at all. It's simply the lens Caroline uses to assess and personalize your session — you don't need any prior knowledge or belief system to benefit from it. Caroline may use tongue and pulse readings to understand what your system needs in the moment, then select essential oils to help balance and restore harmony accordingly.
What should I do to prepare for my first session?
Come as you are — there's nothing special to do beforehand. It can help to avoid a heavy meal right before your session, and to arrive a few minutes early so you're not rushing in. Wear whatever feels comfortable; you'll change privately once you arrive.
What should I do after my session?
Give yourself time to integrate. Drink water, move slowly, and avoid rushing back into a busy schedule if you can. Some clients feel immediately light and energized; others feel more tired or emotional for a day — both are normal.
How often should I book sessions?
This depends on what you're navigating. Many clients find that during periods of significant transition — like perimenopause or menopause — every 2–4 weeks offers helpful consistency and support. Others come monthly, or simply as needed. Caroline can help you find a rhythm that fits your life and your body.
What is your cancellation policy?
There is a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged for the full missed appointment, except in cases of emergency or illness.
Is this practice medical treatment?
No. This work is complementary and supportive, not a substitute for medical care. If you're managing a health condition, please continue working with your healthcare provider alongside these sessions.